Workers of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, staged a protest on Thursday over alleged non-payment of their allowances.
The protesters, under the NASU FUTA branch, marched to the Vice-Chancellor’s office chanting solidarity songs.
They alleged that while other unions had received approved allowances, their members were excluded.
The branch chairman, Adebayo Aladerotohun, said the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Allowance and Earned Allowances were withheld from his members.
“A very unfortunate incident occurred in FUTA yesterday (Wednesday). Our members’ names were removed from the payroll for the payment of CONTA and Earned Allowances duly approved by the Federal Government,” he said.
“We discovered yesterday that the university paid the allowances but excluded our members.”
He accused the university of wrongly implementing the government circular and favouring a particular union.
“Whenever the government approves allowances for workers in the system, we are entitled to them. The provisions of our letters of appointment supercede any collective agreement,” he added.
Aladerotohun threatened legal action if the management failed to address the issue within seven days.
“We are giving the management a seven-day ultimatum from today, after which we will institute legal action,” he said.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Taiwo Amos, appealed for calm and assured the protesters of a resolution.
“It is the right of individuals to belong to any union of their choice, and management is not opposed to that. At no time will management deny anyone his or her legitimate entitlement,” he said.
“Management is examining the matter and discussions are ongoing at the highest level. We have also resolved to meet with the union’s executive again.”
He urged the workers to allow dialogue to resolve the issue peacefully.
“I appeal to you to give us some time. We are better off resolving this through dialogue. We cannot achieve anything through confrontation,” Amos added.
“I assure you that once the matter is resolved, it will be in your favour. Nobody will be shortchanged because we are all working for the progress of FUTA.”
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
